5 Creative Ways to Pray with Kids Before School

Back-to-school mornings can be busy and rushed—shoes missing, lunches to pack, homework to remember! But in the middle of all that, taking a few minutes to pray with your child can set the tone for the day.

As a mum, I understand that morning devotions during the weekdays might not always work out for some families. So, prayer before school reminds kids that they are never alone—God goes with them to class, to the playground, and everywhere in between. Here are five fun and creative ways to make prayer a daily habit before school.

With these your children will soon learn how to pray confidently committing their day to God before leaving home.

1. The “Backpack Blessing” Prayer 🎒

Before your child heads out, place your hand on their backpack and pray:

“Lord, may this bag carry wisdom, kindness, and courage today.”

This simple act connects prayer to something kids use every day.

2. High-Five Prayer ✋

Teach your child a five-point prayer to match each finger:

Thumb 👍 – Thank God for family

Pointer 👉 – Ask for guidance at school

Middle ☝ – Pray for teachers and friends

Ring 💍 – Pray for loved ones

Pinky 🖐 – Pray for yourself

It’s short, interactive, and easy to remember.

3. Drive-to-School Prayers 🚗

If you drive your kids to school, turn the car into a mobile prayer space. Each child can say a one-line prayer before you reach the school gate. Example: “Lord, help me be kind today.” The drive to school is always a teachable and bonding moment for parents and kids, a time you can answer questions about things they see on your drive to school. So why not add prayer to one of the to dos on your drive-to-school moments.

4. Scripture Prayer 🌟

Choose a short Bible verse and turn it into a prayer. For example:

Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ.”

Pray together: “Lord, help me remember I can do all things through You.”

This helps kids hide God’s Word in their hearts before stepping into class. My kids have a pack of Bible promises they recite in the morning and our children ministry also send in weekly Bible promises for the children to declare and pray with. You too can do same for your kids and pray with any of those Bible promises with them. Watch out for my next post where I will share some Bible promises to help your children pray according to the scripture.

5. The “Blessing Hug” 🤗

When saying goodbye, hug your child and whisper a blessing like:

“God bless you and keep you today. Shine His light in your school.”

It leaves them with both love and faith to carry all day long. I absolutely love this as our words carry power. Declaring God’s promises to them in this passionate manner not only puts a covering over them but also is a constant reminder that they are loved by you their earthly parents. A warm hug before sending them off to school will be a good boost for a productive school day.

Prayer doesn’t have to be long or complicated. What matters is making it a consistent part of your family’s morning routine. By praying before school, you’re not just sending your kids out with books and lunch—you’re sending them out with God’s presence.

Try one of these ideas tomorrow morning and watch your child’s school day begin with peace and joy.

Remember: 

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

Blessings,

Ada Happiness